Two Independent MLCs extend support to NDA government in Bihar
Newly elected Independent MLCs Banshidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj announced their support for the BJP-led government on Saturday.
Newly elected Independent MLCs Banshidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj announced their support for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar on Saturday, according to The New Indian Express. The two members attended a BJP legislative party meeting in Patna chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Brajwasi was re-elected from the Tirhut Graduates’ constituency, while Rahul Raj won the Saran Teachers’ constituency for the first time. Both candidates had defeated Janata Dal (United) candidates in the recent Legislative Council elections. Rahul Raj, a former BJP worker, had contested as an Independent after the party denied him candidature and subsequently expelled him for six years.
The support comes as discontent surfaced within the NDA after JD(U) candidate Abhishek Jha lost the Tirhut Graduates’ seat to Brajwasi by 9,147 votes. Jha claimed on X that nearly 4,700 votes were invalidated because voters marked a tick against his name. JD(U) MP Devesh Chandra Thakur alleged that alliance partners had not sincerely supported Jha.
The Legislative Council elections for eight constituencies were held on October 23, 2026. Results were announced between October 27 and October 29, 2026. The term of the MLCs whose seats were polled is set to end on November 16.